4 Easy & Healthy After School Snacks

The backpacks are filled and the school bells are ringing. The summer days have come to an end and the 3 o’clock hustle and bustle begins again. When the car doors close, the hungry mouths open. Yes going into a drive thru or local convenient store might be an easy solution but it will add up to a costly and unhealthy habit! Think about saving money and improving your family’s nutrition. A high powered blender, like a Blendtec or Vitamix, makes those quick and healthy breakfast smoothies (with or without a lil boost) easier to make, which will sustain your kid throughout the school day. And these 4 easy and healthy after school snacks will keep him going through homework and family fun! As most aspects of healthy eating, you are more successful when you are prepared, so we have gathered great snack ideas that can be made ahead of time!

1. Shaped Fruit Kabobs

Just like the name states, these fun after school treats can be in any shape your child desires. From flowers and hearts to cars and superheroes. Simply find shaped cookie cutters that you know your child will love. Slice melon fruit such as watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew into so that it makes a flat surface and press the cookie cutter into the fruit. Place the fruit into a skewer; you can also alternate different fruits.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfaits

These tasty treats can be made using a 4 oz. or 6 oz. plastic cup, depending on how old and caloric needs of your child. It is still important to not over eat on snacks. Using clear cups will allow your children to see the different layers and the fun goodies!

Place a small amount of non fat or reduced fat Greek yogurt on the bottom of the cup. Next layer is your choice of granola (plain is best so there are not too much added sugars!) After the granola, add fresh fruit like strawberries, kiwi, or blueberries. Ask your little snatcher what fruit they would like. For an extra special treat you can add a sprinkle of dark chocolate. Now repeat … yogurt, granola, and fruit.

3. Garden Dippers

A fun way to eat veggies!Take the same cups from the parfaits and add your choice (or child’s choice) of hummus, nut butter or other spread. Even if organic, make sure to wash and cut a mix of vegetables into sticks and place them standing into the spread at the bottom of the cup. The different color veggie sticks will look like a healthy garden patch.

Do a little test of which spread your child will like best. You can also change the spread or types of vegetables used for different flavor combinations.

4. Smoothie Pops

Make your child’s favorite smoothie into a Popsicle!Sometimes a change in presentation is all that is needed to keep a child interested. Plus you can store these in the freezer for a longer period of time.

Simply prepare your child’s favorite smoothie as directed. Place the smoothie into Popsicle molds or ice trays. If using ice trays allow time for the smoothie pop to set before inserting the stick. Add some fruit to the mix and watch their taste buds rejoice! If you like to add protein crush nuts such as almonds and put it in the molds before you add the smoothie.

Different variations can be made to each one of these kid friendly snack treats. Let you and your little ones taste buds run wild! If your child is still unsure about foods then allow them to help you in preparation. Ask them which flavors they would like, and if possible enable them to help you! Family fun!

What snacks do YOU do for your kiddos?! Let us know in the comments. 🙂 Make sure to Subscribe to Blender Babesfor healthy & easy kid favorite recipes!

Christine Padilla
Christine Padilla is studying Nutrition and Dietetics to become a Registered Dietician. After struggling to lose the baby weight she gained from having her son she has made it a personal quest to find the balance of nutritional eating and staying true to the foods of a person's culture. She hopes to become an advocate for communities that are searching for a healthier lifestyle but still maintain an essence close to their heart.

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